The lemon peel is a mine of nutrients useful for the well-being of the organism: throwing them away is a waste to be avoided.
We all know the beneficial properties of lemon juice.
Unfortunately, most of the time we waste half of its goodness, that is peel.
In fact, we are used to using only the liquid part of this precious citrus fruit, ignoring the nourishing and healing substances contained in the peel, which in many cases is edible.
Why eat lemon peel too
The University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, in India, he conducted a study focusing on the benefits of lemon peel, confirming that eating the outside of the fruit is also good for you. In fact, according to the study, it is the lemon peel that contains the most abundant amount of C vitamin.
In addition, the zest also contains fibre (in particular pectin) and calcium, substances useful for the well-being of our body. From the study of the Indian university it also emerged that the lemon peel contributes to purify the liver thanks to the presence of limonene, which is the substance that gives the fruit its typical scent.
How to make the most of the benefits
Throwing away the peel, in short, is a real thing waste to avoid. The outer part of this citrus fruit can be used in cooking and not just as a condiment. The ideal would be avoid cooking it too long, as it would lose most of the nutrients.
To make the most of the benefits of this fruit, including the peel, it is preferable to buy lemons biological or in any case not treated with pesticides or GMOs. Untreated fruits with edible peel, in general, have a less “perfect” shape than treated lemons and are less bright, but they are safer for health.
Prevent disease
It’s not all. ENEA (National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), in collaboration with some Sicilian companies, has in fact patented a innovative method to transform lemon waste into supplements e nutraceutici useful for preventing various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular disorders.
The innovation is based on the use of a technology called “membrane separation”, Developed by ENEA, combined with subsequent encapsulation phases through the spray drying procedure.
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The nanovescicole
In this way, from the scraps and by-products obtained during the lemon processing nanovesicles are obtained, that is very small spheres that contain biologically active molecules such as nucleic acids, polyphenols, lipids and proteins.
These tiny spheres, for example, contribute to reduce the growth of cell tumors. The patent, therefore, will be used for the formulation of foods and drinks with nutraceutical properties and is inspired by the zero waste principle, i.e. zero waste.
The agro-industrial waste of lemons is thus transformed into bio-products with high added value.
Other benefits of lemon peel
Lemon peel is considered healthy not only for its supply of vitamin C: a vitamin that, for example, helps to absorb iron. In fact, in the external part of the lemon there are others substances medicines important such as: lemongrass, fellandrena, citric acid, malic acid, formic acid, hesperidin.
The zest of this citrus has a powerful effect detoxifying: helps purify the body by counteracting abdominal swelling, reducing intestinal gas. Promotes digestion and prevents constipation problems. The high content of vitamins helps strengthen the immune system.
So, it helps prevent infections, flu, sore throat, cold and other breathing problems.
Pressure and prostate
The lemon peel, then, is useful in regulating blood pressure and in promoting the alkalinity of the blood. It has an antiseptic action and helps to eliminate excess sebum in oily skin, thanks to its astringent properties.
Finally, it helps to reduce dark skin spots and whiten teeth. Regular consumption of lemon peel helps prevent inflammation and other prostate ailments. Finally, more in-depth studies are underway to confirm the property anticancer of lemon peel, properties that emerged during some preliminary scientific studies.
How to add lemon peel to your diet
There are several ways to insert lemon peel into your own supply, thus exploiting its benefits. Here are some simple examples. Wash the lemon well (preferably organic) and grate the zest, or blend it, and use it as an ingredient for soups, salads, shakes, sauces for dressing, risotto, fish dishes, etc.
Alternatively, you can prepare a oil flavored with grated lemon zest. Two whole lemon peels and a bottle of extra virgin olive oil are needed. Grate the lemon peels and add them to the bottle of oil. Leave it to macerate for a couple of days and immediately afterwards you can start using it to flavor salads, soups, stews, etc.
Grated lemon zest can be added for aromatize both sweet and savory creams, from cream chantilly with béchamel, from jams to lemon chicken escalopes.
Tea and lemonade
During the summer season, it will be fine to drink it classical lemonade home made. The lemon, however, must be blended with all the peel. The flavor will be slightly different, but just as refreshing. Plus, you can use lemon zest to add a special touch to both summer and winter cocktails.
Finally, tea and herbal teas with lemon peel will help you keep seasonal ailments away and purify the liver, colon and kidneys. To prepare a few cups of purifying tea you need a liter of water, two whole lemon peels and the juice of the two lemons. Boil the water with the lemon peels inside, turn off the heat and add the juice of the two fruits.
Let the infusion rest for fifteen minutes. When it is no longer hot you can drink it, no more than three times a day. If you prefer, you can sweeten with a little miele O stevia.
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